Just one answer PRAGUE.

Haven't been to Vienna but Prague was awesome! Stay near the old town and you can walk to all the sites including the house where Kafka lived and wrote. Many beautiful buildings and bridges. Food and drink are extremely cheap - we had a pizza, a vodka and a scotch all for under 10 bucks! Go for Prague!

Thanks for the advice. Prague it is then!

I'll do a search for hotel recommendations, but in the meantime, any suggestions for small, historic, atmospheric hotels?

We went to both in August. We enjoyed Vienna more, but I think that was due to the time of year and the number of tourists that were packed into the smaller city of Prague. (yes we enjoyed both, but we just had a fabulous time in Vienna) Based on what you've said though, I would probably say Prague.

Hello Zoe,
I would actually disagree with the previous posters and say you should definitely choose Vienna over Prague. Vienna is in my opinion very underrated and likewise Prague is overrated. If you are looking for a romantic and cultural break, I cannot think of a better place than Vienna. Prague is much too touristy now (McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts and Burger Kings around every corner) and actually fairly unsafe. Vienna has world class museums and also plays, operas, and concerts every night in some of the most beautiful theaters and halls around. Walking around the inner city of Vienna or along the Ringstrasse is an unforgettable experience.

The only drawback is that Vienna is obviously more expensive than Prague since it is not in Eastern Europe, but the extra money is well worth it.
If you need anymore info, please just let me know.

Have fun in Prague or Vienna whichever you choose,

Brian

We too were debating the merits of Prague over Vienna and have decided on Prague. I was wondering, though, we are going in February and wanted to know if anyone else had visited in the dead of winter.

Zoe, I've been to both Vienna (in summer) and Prague (in fall). I loved both places, BUT I think I could enjoy Vienna more in the winter than in Prague. If you don't have good weather so that you can enjoy walking around leisurely in Prague, then you would be missing half the joy of that delightful city. Vienna is so urbane that I can imagine being there in a snow storm and loving it. Both places have what you want--steeped in history, homes of well-known writers and musicians, and romance all over the place. I don't think either place feels much like southern Germany...which I also love. I'm definitely a Mittel Europa kind of person.
You know, New Years is a big time in Vienna, lots of balls and big concerts. If you wanted to go at that time, you'd better book now. Or, skip the crowds and go a little later.
Let us know what you decide and then a trip report would be lovely...but not in 215 parts--you might get slammed! (sm)

I would definitely say Vienna. It is unfair to vote for one city when you haven't even been to the other. I went to Prague in March, it was snowing, cold, packed with tourists, etc. I felt like I was going to be robbed at any minute. It is a beautiful city, but I would never choose it over Vienna, especially if you are looking for a cultural experience. Vienna is alive with music, art, etc. I know Vienna has a New Year's eve concert and many other activities. Yes, Prague is cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

Both! Unless you're going only for a few days, it's easy to to both cities, even with as little as a week. And it's a wonderful combo in so many ways (historically, culturally, architecturally, gastronomically, et alia).

Hi! I also vote for Vienna. We found it to be much more "cosmopolitan" and it is definitely a "winter" city, ie, many many things to do and places to see that are indoors.